Moto Guzzi V100S Mandello decision...

[Martylaa]

So I came across the Moto Guzzi V100 S Mandello and immediately thought 'what a stunner'. Took the Green version out for a test ride and was very impressed with it. Most of my riding if not all is on normal roads, only being off-road twice and my current bike is tall with a 21" first wheel and a adventure bike.

I'm so taken with the idea of owing a V100 S for those weekend rides out, possibility of a few days away as it can tour and generally really enjoying the comfortable riding position and looks.

There was a few niggles, the heated grips are far too gentle even on the highest setting and the quickshifter is un-usable until going from 2nd to 3rd, it worked fine on the way down I seem to remember and finally that clunk as it goes into 1st gear from standstill. I believe a couple of these are called Moto Guzzi character.

I've seen a new bike for a massive discount on new and it will come with the full warranty and the knowledge of me being its first owner, however its in the black and grey colour and I would have preferred the green version I think, even though it looks good in the pictures.

Now my dilemma is whether to go for this bike offered with a very good discount or I could wait for there 2025 version which I could get the V100 Wind tunnel version as it comes in the Red with gold alloys, all the good bits of the V100S except the radar control which makes the new v100S look ugly imo.

 

[Oldrat]

You shouldn’t need to, but something like these can do and just £50.

Oxford heated grips

 

[MartinK]

I have a Stelvio V100, and fitted Oxford heated grips from new.
They really are a wonderful bike

 

[Fluffmeister]

The stock heated grips are not great, but with a bit of care and jiggery pokery you can use the likes of the Oxford grips with the OEM connectors and power them up via the TFT. I have the OEM on mine and I'm not that bothered, I know I should be, but mainly because in the cold months I use a pair of heated gloves, and also have a pair of Hippo Hands which quickly switch between bikes if needed.

The Quick Shifter is best used from 3rd onwards with upshifts and a few revs piled on, my gearbox has smoothed out nicely now I have a few miles on it, (Just over 8k).

I love mine, it's full of character, I think it looks fantastic and sounds amazing even on the stock can, which I have no intention of changing as all the aftermarket stuff is FUGLY.

Things I've discovered, but again don't really bother me;

The Bluetooth connection to the TFT, it's not sure if it should give you directions or instructions for home brewed moretti, but I don't use it as I have a Chigee and use that and CarPlay / MyRouteApp so don't bother with Bluetooth to the TFT

The Heated seats are optional, and only in Black. BUT whilst the grips are weak, whoever makes the heated seats needs a transfer to the grip section, on level 3 they will have the skin off your arse

Tyre pressure monitoring can sometimes be a bit "Italian" it always works, but it can sometimes take a couple of miles for it to hook up and register the pressures.

The Rear wheel uses a 65mm nut to secure it at 23 gazillionbrazillion ft/lbs torque. When I'm away touring on the Mandello, I carry the pictured socket with me, just in case the worst happens, I need roadside support and they don't have a 65mm socket. This weighs a fair bit, lives in the cubby under the rear seat and is quite handy in self defence situations (It does the front axle to)

It's really well built, and screwed together, and whilst some call it a gimmick, the active aero flaps do work, if like me, you are of the fuller figure Skinny folk won't really feel much, if any benefit from them.

It's a fantastic bike, and a refreshing alternative to a lot of other bikes out there.

 

[Martylaa]

Thanks for the pointers and info, thats great.

Out of interest, how do you find the economy on it, and do you know anything I should look out for or to check for when I speak to the dealers?

 

[Fluffmeister]

Thanks for the pointers and info, thats great.

Out of interest, how do you find the economy on it, and do you know anything I should look out for or to check for when I speak to the dealers?

Economy wise, I was easily hitting mid 50's in France when on a solo bimble this year, I did get to low 40's a few times but that was when having fun heading up Col de Madeline with a "Well ridden GS" in pursuit, the tank is a bit on the small side though, with about 180 ish mile range, but that more or less matches my bladder

Like a GS, the front engine cover is venerable to stone chips and corrosion, I keep mine pretty clean and have an SW Motech protector mounted. There have been a few bikes with bad engine paint, but if you have a good look around it will be obvious to you, also a few people have had paint bubble on the gold rocker covers, but all I know of have been sorted under Warranty. There was recall for clutch cylinder seals so worth asking if it was effected and if it's been done.

If you trawl the internet for long enough, you will find plenty of horror stories, but if you read a lot of the pages in these hallowed halls, NOBODY would ever buy a GS

There is a good UK focussed Mandello group on Facebook if you do that, with some pretty decent and helpful people on it if that is of any use.

 

[Fluffmeister]

And while I'm chatting about the Mandello, why not chuck a few pics up

 

[Oldrat]

Thanks for the pointers and info, thats great.

Out of interest, how do you find the economy on it, and do you know anything I should look out for or to check for when I speak to the dealers?

You could always try haggling for 10% off clothing/ helmets/security etc, if they won’t budge on price

 

[walkingpictures]

Following with interest.

Wheels Motorcycles at Peterborough apparently have several for sale,when I get around to it I'll pop up to check them out

Kimbo

 

[Wrinkly]

I absolutely loved my V100s. Sadly a permanently damaged left leg which is constantly swollen due to a severe bout of cellulitis and a slightly cramped riding position, meant I had to stop every 40-50 miles too get the blood flowing in my leg again. At the time it was my main bike, but I could now use my V85 for longer journey's and have considered another V100 purely as a nice day ride out bike. I would go as far too say that the V100 motor is one of if not the nicest engine I've ever had in a bike. Also it's terrific in the Stelvio, sadly other areas of the Stelvio let it down.

 

[The Other PaulG]

and finally that clunk as it goes into 1st gear from standstill.

You'll learn to pull the clutch in, then wait a second or two before snicking it nice and quietly into first!

Some of those colour schemes are fabulous.

 

[Robbieben]

My mate bought a V100S earlier last year and he loves it, I've ridden it and can only say it really is a good bike to ride. Quick enough, excellent suspension, good on fuel.

 

[Clifton]

You'll learn to pull the clutch in, then wait a second or two before snicking it nice and quietly into first!

Some of those colour schemes are fabulous.

Paul while this works on Guzzi's dry clutch bikes it unfortunately doesn't work on the V100. You can hold the lever in for minutes but the wet clutch has enough friction to keep the gearbox spinning at full engine rpm. Engaging 1st gear then brings it all to a jolting stop.
The only ways I've found to avoid this is to start the bike in first gear, not select neutral when stopping rather holding the clutch in, or if running in neutral and pointing down hill, coast down and engage 1st after reaching 7mph or so.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Paul while this works on Guzzi's dry clutch bikes it unfortunately doesn't work on the V100. You can hold the lever in for minutes but the wet clutch has enough friction to keep the gearbox spinning at full engine rpm. Engaging 1st gear then brings it all to a jolting stop.
The only ways I've found to avoid this is to start the bike in first gear, not select neutral when stopping rather holding the clutch in, or if running in neutral and pointing down hill, coast down and engage 1st after reaching 7mph or so.

Aha! Thanks, I did not know that, I assumed their clutches were similar. You know what they say about assumptions…

 

[EKIMYRF]

we did a couple of tests on the mandello if you havnt seen them

 

[MartinK]

A couple of hours from you at Wynyard (I used to work there occasionally!!).

Thread 'Guzzi Black Friday at Jim Allens'

Nov 27, 2024

I bought my Stelvio from Jim Allen's. I have to say they have been fantastic as a dealer. The deal on the trade-in was fair, the bike well-prepped, and after-sales they've always gone the "extra mile" for me as a customer.

Anyway. they have posted this today, I thought I would share it:

• MartinK
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Moto Guzzi

• 

Jim's a fab dealer. The sales guy is Stephen - they will do you a good deal, and the after-sales is top notch

 

[Clifton]

Aha! Thanks, I did not know that, I assumed their clutches were similar. You know what they say about assumptions…

LOL oh yeah I know all about making assumptions!

Almost all wet clutches drag so some extent but most of them have a reduction to turn at 1/2 engine speed which lessens the jolt. For whatever reason the V100 clutch doesn't have that reduction so spins at engine speed. Add to this these engines idle fast, around 1,400 rpm.

 

[Fluffmeister]

They do idle pretty high, and I'm surprised they don't run a reduction on the clutch. The rest of the gearbox on mine is now pretty slick and smooth, but putting it into first is often done through eyes that are squinting like a Japanese General, it's a major announcement of "Yup, I'm in first"

Otherwise a lovely understressed torque rich motor that is happy bimbling along lazily or hitching it's skirt up and hustling.

As they've resubmitted their patent in the US for the "California" name, be interesting to see what the plans are and how the V100 motor would work in a Cali. I really want a Cali or an Audace, but need a bigger garage and a good divorce lawyer

 

[Clifton]

Otherwise a lovely understressed torque rich motor that is happy bimbling along lazily or hitching it's skirt up and hustling.

As they've resubmitted their patent in the US for the "California" name, be interesting to see what the plans are and how the V100 motor would work in a Cali. I really want a Cali or an Audace, but need a bigger garage and a good divorce lawyer

Agree with you 100% re the motor. And it's probably a small thing but it sounds nice too.

If Guzzi doesn't take any shortcuts I think a new California could be very successful. Personally I'd punch out the motor a little for even a bit more low and mid range and make it along the line of Harley's Road King with hard panniers, removable shield, and detachable accessories like rack, backrest, rear box, etc. Widen the gear ratios for a taller 6th. And while it might not hurt anything get rid of the clunk into 1st.